Opened: December 25, 2021

Directed by: Denzel Washington

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Chanté Adams, Jalon Christian, Robert Wisdom, Tamara Tunie, Jasmine Batchelor, Marchánt Davis, Susan Pourfar, Cleveland Berto, Vanessa Aspillga, Grey Henson, Johnny M. Wu, David Wilson Barnes & Melanie Nicholls-King

Emotionally affecting only when it needs to be, A Journal for Jordan suffers from dead air and uninspired direction by Denzel Washington.

Dana (Chanté Adams) and Charles (Michael B. Jordan) fall in love, but Charles is sent to Iraq after the 9/11 attacks. Dana becomes pregnant after he visits on leave. When Charles dies in action, he leaves a journal with advice for his son Jordan (Jalon Christian).

As Charles, Jordan brings energy and charisma that light up an otherwise dull screen. Whether it’s the script’s fault or Adams’ performance, there’s not enough for Dana. When Charles isn’t onscreen, you can almost feel the energy being sucked out.

Washington makes no bold choices as a director. The film feels overly long, while the shots are standard and there’s little connection made between characters.

Final say: Jordan deserves more. ★★☆☆☆